Braves Topple Tigers in 10, 4-3

Paul Wezner

06/08/2004

While metro Detroit continues to be wrapped up with the Detroit Pistons and their NBA Finals run, the Tigers still had a baseball game to play Tuesday night. Unfortunately, just like the Pistons, the Tigers lost in extended playing time, as a throwing error by Danny Patterson allowed Mark DeRosa to score as the go-ahead run, giving the Braves a 4-3 win.

Jason Johnson is apparently on an upswing. Unfortunately, this time around the Tigers didn't generate enough offense, and the bullpen once again ended up taking the loss. For the game, Johnson went 8 innings, allowing 3 runs and striking out a season-high 8 batters. Mike Hamtpon was equally impressive for the Braves, giving up 3 runs in 7 innings pitched, although his strikeout numbers didn't quite match up (only 2 for Hampton).

The game was decided in the 10th, when the Braves scored the go-ahead run off Danny Patterson, who committed a throwing error to let the run in. The Tigers couldn't get a run in the bottom of the 10th, and the Braves took the win, 4-3.

And despite not having any big offensive stars, the Braves were able to come away with the victory, as DeRosa scored after he doubled to lead off the inning. SS Rafael Furcal had a pair of hits and an RBI for the Braves as well.

The Tigers continue their slide, falling to 7 games below .500, potentially coming back to a sad reality - that the team still has a long way to go. On Wednesday night, Jeremy Bonderman goes up against John Thomson at 7:05pm.